Driving instructions kick off training for Finnish EU forces

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Training of the first Finnish volunteers for the rapid deployment forces of the European Union has begun at the Pori Brigade in Säkylä.
      One of those chosen for the training programme was 25-year-old Tomi Huhtala of Turku, who reported for duty as a contract soldier on Tuesday.
      Just over a week ago, Huhtala was putting the finishing touches on one of the restaurants in the world’s largest cruise liner, Freedom of the Seas, before it was delivered from the Turku Shipyard to England. On Wednesday, he was taking part in a refresher course for heavy military vehicles.
      Huhtala is one of 90 contract soldiers to undergo training in the rapid deployment forces; another 30 will enter service in June.
      During the first eight weeks the group will be trained in the use of armoured Mercedes Benz all-terrain vehicles, trucks, and armoured personnel carriers.
     
After Midsummer, the recruits will begin a ten-week national basic training phase focusing on the group’s weaponry, including shotguns, which are less familiar to ordinary conscripts, as well as the German-made Granatpistole ("grenade pistol"), and submachine guns.
      The international training phase begins in September, with exercises in The Netherlands and Germany.
      Crisis management skills will also be taught, including lessons in English, knowledge of different countries and cultures, as well as practice in working with civilian officials and organisations.
      Colonel Markku Nikkilä, commander of the Pori Brigade, emphasises that the rapid action force is one of the 11 basic units of the brigade. He says that the main difference between the group and traditional peacekeepers is that they will have more extensive training, better equipment, and a shorter deployment time for possible missions.
      "The rapid deployment forces increase the EU’s crisis management ability and readiness. A new characteristic from Finland’s point of view is that the force can be used in the vanguard of peacekeeping missions, whereas previously Finns have taken part in operations at a later stage", Nikkilä says.
     
Just over half of those chosen for the mission have either previous experience in peacekeeping work, or training for rapid action forces. Six women are involved. The average age of the group is 31 years.
      In addition to earning EUR 2,700 a month, part of it tax-free, the soldiers are entitled to free room, board, and clothing, as well as a monthly EUR 150 compensation for being on call.
      The main task of the company now undergoing training includes guarding staff headquarters and protecting deliveries of supplies.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finnish officers may join EU forces in Congo (7.3.2006)
  Finland to increase number of peacekeepers in Afghanistan (13.2.2006)
  Finland to be part of Nato Response Force (23.12.2005)
  Government proposes constitutional amendment on crisis management issue (2.12.2006)

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